What to Expect from a Professional Duct Cleaner in Seattle, Bellevue, or Everett

For many homeowners in Seattle, Bellevue, and the surrounding area HVAC systems and air ducts are a mystery. You might know what some of the parts are but have no ideas how to maintain the system. So how can you know what to expect from a professional air duct cleaner?

Here’s a full overview of the duct cleaning process. 

How Should I Prepare for a Professional Duct Cleaning?

Before hiring a duct cleaner, make sure they are willing to clean all components of your system and are qualified to do so. Ask if your local service providers are certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NACDA). Failing to clean a component could result in re-contaminating the entire air duct system, which can easily negate all benefits of the duct cleaning.

Before they arrive, make sure the duct cleaning service providers have space to do their work. Clear some space around the HVAC system so the professionals have room to move around and keep equipment at hand.

What Happens During a Professional Duct Cleaning?

Once the duct cleaners arrive, it’s best to stay out of the professionals’ way to ensure your safety. They should follow the steps below:

1. The duct cleaning professionals should take precautions with the surrounding before doing anything with your ducts. It’s important to always protect carpeting and furnishings throughout the cleaning procedure.
2. Once the area is protected, the duct cleaning professional will open all ports and doors to the duct system. They may need to cut an access port in the plenum, which is the area where your air ducts originate. This is necessary to reach the depths of the duct system.
3. The air duct cleaning service providers will inspect the entire system to ensure there aren’t materials that could contain asbestos. If asbestos is present, it should not be disturbed. Only contractors who have received special training in asbestos removal should remove these potentially hazardous materials.
4. From there, the duct cleaning professional will use a strong vacuum to exhaust particles out of the ductwork. This equipment enables duct cleaning professionals to knock dirt and other contaminants loose and suck it out of your duct system, cleaning the entire duct network.
5. Next, they will brush the duct surfaces and use contact vacuum cleaning to remove any remaining particles. The brushes should be long and flexible to access the entire duct system.
6. A duct cleaning professional will use soft-bristled brushes to clean fiberglass in the duct board or lining.
7. Finally, the duct cleaning service provider will seal and re-insulate all access holes.

What Else Should I Know about Having Duct Cleaning Performed by a Local Professional?

A good duct cleaning will likely take a few hours, depending on the size of your home and duct system. You will experience moderate noise while professionals are vacuuming the dirt and grime out of your air duct system.

You may or may not notice an immediate change in air quality, depending on whether you have allergies or the previous resident was a smoker.

DustVac Northwest is here to help residents of Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, and the surrounding area. We are certified through the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) and committed to both best practices and integrity. We have over 25 years of experience in the heating and air conditioning industry, so you can trust us with your ducts.